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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

BeansTalk Hearts Lockheart

Last fall, someone we worked with at our day job showed up with a totally gorgeous purse. We were instantly filled with envy. She then mentioned that it was the new line from the original designers of “Isabella Fiore.” It had been given to her. We were further filled with even more envy. At any rate, we’ve kept a longing watch on Lockheart, whose designers, Trang Huynh and Jennifer Tash, were originally with Isabella Fiore. Readers of BeansTalk know that we are huge IF fans and have had, at one time or another, some 15 Ifs.

In 2006, the designers – who were nominated in 2001 for the prestigious Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design from the CFDA, and for the ACE Award soon after – combined to create their own line of leather goods called Lockheart.

Tash and Huynh began the IF business in 1995, when Tash, who had a background in visual display merchandising, and Huynh, who worked in bridal couture, began creating intricate silk scarves, fashionable fabric flower lapel pins and evolutionary evening shawls. They found success, selling to specialty boutiques and department stores across the country. A little “experiment” into handbags sent them into a stratospheric trajectory. Believe us, we’ve stood in the ridiculous line at the Bellflower factory for the company’s rare sales.

When our friend, the rep sent us the following on Lockheart bag: [they] are not just about leather “goods”, but more about leather greats! Great quality, great shapes, great details, great leathers” BeansTalk has to agree.

The one thing that impresses BeansTalk about Lockheart is that they are beautifully made and the quality is very apparent. In fact, the bags are so well made, an investment (which we admidt is substantial) in a bag that can serve as a daily purse.

More from the Lockheart rep: "The design team’s passion for the use of different raw materials such as sumptuous leathers, raw linens and chunky embroideries lend themselves to a wide range of eclectic and individual designs that are geared toward a free-spirited way of life. …Lockheart is all about sass and sophistication. “

The name is derived from the promise that the visionary design team made – locking their hearts together in a lifelong passion and commitment to creating luxury leather goods for women who really care about stamping out the message of their own personal style and individuality.